IIUSA Board Member, Kraft, spoke at the conference held in Washington D.C. His topic was "Crystal Ball into the Future", in which he predicted an extension of the Program with no foreseeable changes in 2017. He advised potential investors to commit now, while the base investment remains $500,000, avoiding the likely $300,000 increase. With the Program gaining unprecedented popularity, investors would benefit from shorter wait times the sooner they apply.
Attendees enjoyed EB-5 related panel presentations, opportunities to network and advocate on behalf of EB-5, an examination of TEA standards, new regulations, and an overview of security laws compliance obligations that were introduced by the Senate at the end of 2015. Major policy issues, advocacy workshops, an exploration of solutions to EB-5 visa backlog, and a congressional keynote address by Honorable Senator Rand Paul, M.D. rounded out the event.
Guest of Honor speakers included:
- Stephanie Avakian, Deputy Director, Division of Enforcement, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Joseph P. Borg, Director, Alabama Securities Commission
- Julia Harrison, Deputy Chief, USCIS Immigrant Investor Program Office
- Kavita Jain, Director of Emerging Regulatory Affairs, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- Ritta McLaughlin, Chief Education Officer, Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB)
- Charles Oppenheim, Chief, Visa Controls Office, U.S. Department of State
The 3 day conference celebrated its 9th year, attracting hundreds of guests. Highlighted by grassroots advocacy and advanced education, the IIUSA EB-5 Regional Economic Advocacy Conference is one of the largest conferences of 2016.